I have been through it all, Jayshree. In the decades of transition from Bangalore to Bengaluru, I am constantly stunned by how the city has changed. Growing up in the 1950s and 60s, my 17 cousins (you heard right; my maternal grandparents had 6 daughters and 2 sons) and I spent our summers in the sleepy town where nothing happened till mid afternoon. It's now impossibly huge. Going across town can be an ordeal of 2 to 3 hours. In my childhood days, you never went to Bengaluru without sweaters and warm clothing. Nowadays, a thin T-shirt can be a bit much. Still, it is a lovely city that has retained many of its best features. Lal Bagh continues to be an amazing garden and arboretum. Down the street, the original MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Rooms) has the best masala dosas anywhere in the world. Driving through, or better yet, walking within Cubbon Park is a pleasure. The South Parade maintains a lot of its colonial style. But the growth seems relentless. I wonder if, or where, it will stop.
I confess that when I hear the word Bangalore, the first thing that comes to mind is the Bangalore Torpedo (that device soldiers use to clear obstacles). Not that nickname for a fiery designer cup of tea at an Indian restaurant that the waiter warns you about emphatically of the Hindi meaning of "spicy"(surface of the sun) or "hot" (fresh lava). By the way, "hindi" is the Filipino word for "no". I hear that from my wife. Maybe "hindi" would be a good word to remember when your waiter asks, "You want that extra spicy?" Hindi!
I live on the Florida Gulf Coast, about 18° higher in latitude than Bangalore. We have oppressively hot summers. But here too September signals a relief with a cooler evening breeze signaling the coming of our pleasant mild winter. Almost time for that switch from sweet tea to hot tea.
lol, that is interesting. Noting it down to trace its origin. Always learn something new in your comments, Dale! 'Hindi' for No spicy food works as an easy mnemonic ;-) Ah yes, Florida weather - humid dry and subtropical - more like Delhi than Bangalore! Thanks for sharing!
My goodness, Jayshree, I had no idea how prolific you are. Yours was one of the first Substack posts I enjoyed in the beginning. Unfortunately I’ve become wrapped up in work, writing my own posts, and trying to save democracy here in the States. Glad to see you are thriving.
Hi Katharine, thanks so much for your support - I am glad you take time out to read at some point. I hear you on how busy life gets and the campaign support efforts! Good luck. Jayshree
Temperatures here in California are weirdly hig as well. In the 69’s growing our summer, although still hot in the summer is extremely hot in comparison. Sitting under a veranda among ancient fig trees brings beautiful restful images to my mind 💖 Excellent Jayshree!
I have been through it all, Jayshree. In the decades of transition from Bangalore to Bengaluru, I am constantly stunned by how the city has changed. Growing up in the 1950s and 60s, my 17 cousins (you heard right; my maternal grandparents had 6 daughters and 2 sons) and I spent our summers in the sleepy town where nothing happened till mid afternoon. It's now impossibly huge. Going across town can be an ordeal of 2 to 3 hours. In my childhood days, you never went to Bengaluru without sweaters and warm clothing. Nowadays, a thin T-shirt can be a bit much. Still, it is a lovely city that has retained many of its best features. Lal Bagh continues to be an amazing garden and arboretum. Down the street, the original MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Rooms) has the best masala dosas anywhere in the world. Driving through, or better yet, walking within Cubbon Park is a pleasure. The South Parade maintains a lot of its colonial style. But the growth seems relentless. I wonder if, or where, it will stop.
Thanks Arjun for the insight into the past! Growth can be two-faced. The vanishing green cover is another issue that hasn't helped.
I confess that when I hear the word Bangalore, the first thing that comes to mind is the Bangalore Torpedo (that device soldiers use to clear obstacles). Not that nickname for a fiery designer cup of tea at an Indian restaurant that the waiter warns you about emphatically of the Hindi meaning of "spicy"(surface of the sun) or "hot" (fresh lava). By the way, "hindi" is the Filipino word for "no". I hear that from my wife. Maybe "hindi" would be a good word to remember when your waiter asks, "You want that extra spicy?" Hindi!
I live on the Florida Gulf Coast, about 18° higher in latitude than Bangalore. We have oppressively hot summers. But here too September signals a relief with a cooler evening breeze signaling the coming of our pleasant mild winter. Almost time for that switch from sweet tea to hot tea.
lol, that is interesting. Noting it down to trace its origin. Always learn something new in your comments, Dale! 'Hindi' for No spicy food works as an easy mnemonic ;-) Ah yes, Florida weather - humid dry and subtropical - more like Delhi than Bangalore! Thanks for sharing!
My goodness, Jayshree, I had no idea how prolific you are. Yours was one of the first Substack posts I enjoyed in the beginning. Unfortunately I’ve become wrapped up in work, writing my own posts, and trying to save democracy here in the States. Glad to see you are thriving.
Hi Katharine, thanks so much for your support - I am glad you take time out to read at some point. I hear you on how busy life gets and the campaign support efforts! Good luck. Jayshree
Temperatures here in California are weirdly hig as well. In the 69’s growing our summer, although still hot in the summer is extremely hot in comparison. Sitting under a veranda among ancient fig trees brings beautiful restful images to my mind 💖 Excellent Jayshree!